Posted - 01/01/2014 : 17:56:24 team Canada will release its roster in the next few days.here is my attempt as gm. I picked the best players who I thought skate well. Havent factured in lines/combos (ie wingers, centres). oh, its just off the top of my head so likely missed a lot of good players.

Hey Joshua, Benn is not having a breakout year (especially because playing with Sequin). He has been flying under the radar for at least 2years if you ask me. I think it is more safe to say Sequin is having a breakout year because he is playing with Benn. You can even look towards Loui Erikkson. He was a 70 point player in Dallas playing with Benn and is now on pace for maybe 45, maybe 60 if not for injuries.

The are both excellent players. I think the biggest reason though for Tyler Seguins breakout season is simply because he's been giving the opportunity to be a number 1 centre. You're right that Benn has been putting up solid numbers for a few years, but was on par with Seguin last season (33 to 32). And I don't think Loui Erikssons current point totals have anything to do with Jamie Benn. More a product of Boston's system and his roll on the team, and the concussion troubles he had this season. Erikssons point totals dropped off last season actually while still playing with Benn. Erikssons numbers were virtually identical whether he was playing with Bad Richards, Mike Ribeiro or Benn.

Maverick9

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 23:22:31

quote:Originally posted by Guest4062

The team Canada management are in a win or nothing situation. If they win gold, no one will ever question any of the choices. If they do not win gold, they will be criticized for ever for their choices.

In my opinions the glaring ommisions were Thornton, Giroux, St. Louis, Lucic, Seabrook, Boyle. I would have dropped Hamhuis (this is shocking), Vlasic, Benn, Bergeron, Nash, and Carter.

Surprising you and Joshua would drop Bergeron. While his stats may not be incredible, the guy is unquestionably, a winner. He has won Olympic gold, World Junior gold, Stanley Cup, World Championship gold, and a Spengler cup championship. Not to mention, he is one of the top 3 defensive forwards in the league and an ace on faceoffs. He is the heart and soul of the Bruins and his value goes far beyond goals and assists.

Bergy may not light up the score sheet, but he brings all the intangibles that every championship team needs.

umteman

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 16:32:13 Well 2/3 of Pittsburgh's first line will be there; Kunitz was named this morning.

Did you hear about the retired proctologist? He spent 40 years saying "what's a place like this doing in a girl like you?"

Guest3792

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 16:08:00 Hey Joshua, Benn is not having a breakout year (especially because playing with Sequin). He has been flying under the radar for at least 2years if you ask me. I think it is more safe to say Sequin is having a breakout year because he is playing with Benn. You can even look towards Loui Erikkson. He was a 70 point player in Dallas playing with Benn and is now on pace for maybe 45, maybe 60 if not for injuries.

Guest4178

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 15:08:25 Unless I'm missing someone, I count six team captains on Canada's roster. That's pretty good for leadership, but interestingly, a number of close calls for selections (but not selected) are captains of their respective teams: Mark Giodano, Eric Staal, Joe Thornton, Claude Giroux and Martin St. Louis. (And Dion Phaneuf and Jason Spezza for those who think these two players were close calls to make the team too.)

I seem to recall a record number of team captains in Team Canada's roster in 2010, but I couldn't find the number. Anyone know?

As for Canada's team captain for 2014, there are a number of good choices, but I think Sidney Crosby is most likely going to be named the team captain.

JOSHUACANADA

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 12:09:54 Notable exclusions

St LouisThortonSequinHallGirouxNealBoyleStallSeabrookGiordano

Guys on the team not on my list on the team

BennBergeronDucheneSharpVlasic

Surprised by a few but not really disappointed. I wouldn't have put Bergeron on my team based on his skating, size and his poor year so far. Surprised Benn made the team, but Sequin and/or Hall did not. Benn is a good player, true goal scorer and has good skating ability, but is really having a breakout year with Sequin as his setup guy and 1 would think if Benn was selected both would be. Hall in my opinion is a better goal scorer than Benn, but I understand he doesn't have a full 100 foot game like others selected. I wish they had taken St Louis and Thorton, but I understand they wanted younger and more pure goalscorers than older, set up guys, but these 2 are some of the best set up guys in the game. To me this is a mistake. Taking Kunitz, but not Neal is a head scratcher, but I understand they are wanting chemistry with Crosby, but I think today Neal is the better player of the 2. The guys not taken on defense over the ones not on my list seem smart from a defensive aspect and not having Seabrook is ok to me. He will probably be the first one to get the call if injuries occur on the blueline. Goaltending seems good to me. Overall I am happy with the selection's

Guest4062

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 10:28:33 The team Canada management are in a win or nothing situation. If they win gold, no one will ever question any of the choices. If they do not win gold, they will be criticized for ever for their choices.

In my opinions the glaring ommisions were Thornton, Giroux, St. Louis, Lucic, Seabrook, Boyle. I would have dropped Hamhuis (this is shocking), Vlasic, Benn, Bergeron, Nash, and Carter.

If team Canada loses not taking guys like Hall and Seguin will be pointed too but they also lack experience so I think they will get a pass for leaving these guys at home.

Too many good players is never a bad thing and we all knew some good ones would be left at home.

ryan93

Posted - 01/07/2014 : 08:33:59 I really think Marty St.Louis deserves to be there! Somewhat surprised as well that Claude Giroux isn't on the team.

ryan93

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 19:09:07 Joshua, Tavares will be on the team, that's never been questioned. Also while I believe Rick Nash will indeed be on the team, I personally would have went with James Neal. Nash had a great game tonight for the Rangers, so lets hope that's a sign of things to come for both the Rangers and Team Canada. He brings a lot to the table when he's on his game, and he was one of Canada's best players at the 2010 Olympic Games. Yzerman and co can't really go,wrong with any of the names that are beng thrown out there for the last few forward spots.

JOSHUACANADA

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 18:08:45 Revised list:

Heard today that Tavares is getting a long look. He has played in a winger capacity on the world stage and is having a great year. St Louis, Nash (Nash might be the weakest of the natural wingers here) and Hall. With I think Toews and Tavares or Stamkos (if healthy) for time between the wing and center if an injury replacement is needed. I still feel Marleau and Thornton need to be on this list as dominant as they have played this year and for many years. They play for one of the few teams strong enough to go toe to toe in a head to head with Pittsburg/Chicago/Anaheim/LA/Boston. To me those 2 are just to good to leave off Team Canada. I have them slotted ahead of Getzlaf and Perry, who I have almost as much respect for, but behind Crosby and Neal. Richards and Carter have so much grit and chemistry they need to play together as well and will do well as a checking line that can score just like Getzlaf and Perry.

Crosby NealThorton MarleauGetzlaf PerryRichards Carter

St Louis, Hall, Toews, Tavares or Stamkos if healthy or Nash

Weber DoughtyKeith SeabrookPietrangelo BouwmeesterSubban and Hamhuis or Boyle as the Alternate

Loungo, Price and Fleury or Smith or Bernier or Harding. I don't really care which 3rd goalie gets picked because either would be fine and I don't think the 3rd goalie will be the difference between a medal or no medal. Much is being made out of Canada's goalie selection, but to be honest any and all of these goalies are playing strong enough and also based on the remainder of the roster Canada will ice. I really think the difference will be made in how they select the bottom 6 role playing forwards. If they go with grit and chemistry, but with the ability to score, all is well.

Maverick9

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 15:43:34 This is how I see the Canadian roster filling out tomorrow

Really against St. Louis making the team, I think he may get eaten up in the defensive zone against Olympic caliber players.Same reasoning for Subban as well, can't see Canada bothering with his offensive game when his defensive game is so spotty. Plus, Keith is the go to offensive guy on this team not Subban. Also, Doughty, Bouwmeester, Pietrangelo, and Weber are all capable of chipping in without the shakiness of Subban

slozo

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 09:39:44

quote:Originally posted by Guest2705

why does everyone have Nash on there list, he's sucking this year, no way he makes the team

Make your own list then, smart guy!

"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug

Alex116

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 09:09:18

quote:Originally posted by Guest2705

why does everyone have Nash on there list, he's sucking this year, no way he makes the team

He's only on my list because I was predicting who I thought the selection committee would be picking, not who I personally would choose. I just think they will take him with his experience, skating, big body, etc. Just a hunch.

Guest2705

Posted - 01/06/2014 : 02:49:28 why does everyone have Nash on there list, he's sucking this year, no way he makes the team

Guest3792

Posted - 01/05/2014 : 22:31:13 Also Yzerman was at the Oil vs Bolts game tonight. No doubt watching St. Louis & Hall but also Eberle..

Guest3792

Posted - 01/05/2014 : 22:28:23 To me Seabrook is a must. Why? The man has 2 Cup's in 4 years is an obvious start. How many times has he came through clutch in the pressure of the playoffs not just with an assist but with goals too. When Chicago looked defeated and Toews was frustrated (last years playoffs) who went over to the bench and got his captain back in the game? Seabrook doesn't only bring a playing relationship with Kieth & Top-Skill to Canada. He brings leadership, character, poise, truculence or whatever else a GM states is needed for winning...

Alex116

Posted - 01/05/2014 : 21:53:52

quote:Originally posted by ryan93

There seems to be a lot of fan support for Brent Seabrook. He's been on virtually every fan projected roster I've read online, yet he's rarely included on the ones assembled by the "experts".

I think this is partially due to his playing relationship with Duncan Keith, who is having arguably the best year of his career and, who is likely the Norris favorite at the present time.

Anyway, it looks like that thinking may be "off"? I just finished watching TSN's panel discuss the likely selections and Seabrook didn't quite make the cut. KEEP IN MIND, the following are the players THEY THINK will be named, not who they would pick themselves. This is Bob Mackenzie and Co who you have to figure have "some" inside info? Well, surely more than any of us? Here's their predictions, and keep in mind, lines and pairings are not in place here, just simply listing guys by position (R / L dmen and positional forwards except for dual role C's?)...........

Guys who they consider "on the bubble" and would be the ones to step into any spots where their predictions are wrong....

C - E. StaalLW - C. Kunitz LW - P. MarleauRW - J. Carter

LD - M. GiordanoLD - D. HamhuisLD - M. StaalRD - B. Seabrook

Not sure why Seabrook would be listed at this point? If they consider D. Boyle to play the opposite side, wouldn't he be the first one to slot in if they decided they wanted another guy playing on the right?

A little surprised that J. Neal has gotten very little love throughout the selection process. On another note, I'd say the most notable omission here is J. Thornton as he leads the NHL in assists at the moment!!! As far as forwards go, I had the same guys except for 2. I had Staal and Hall making it and they have Couture and Benn. We'll know for sure on Tuesday morning!

ryan93

Posted - 01/05/2014 : 18:33:40 There seems to be a lot of fan support for Brent Seabrook. He's been on virtually every fan projected roster I've read online, yet he's rarely included on the ones assembled by the "experts".

Pasty, FYI, Luongo and Price's numbers are very similar this year and Luongo is playing in the FAR more difficult western conference. To not select Luongo as one of the 3 is ludicrous imo taking into consideration not just 2010, but the fact that he's been one of the best Canadian goalies for many years! I get the whole "go with the hot hand", but judging by your picks, you're only using that criteria for the goalies because Rick Nash hasn't had a "hot hand" for quite some time!!!

Price and Luongo are "locks" imo, and Smith will prob just edge out the rest. I kinda wonder if they pass on Harding just in case his medical problem flares up at an inopportune time? Sad, but it's reality. Also, I don't find it as far fetched that a 3rd goalie may have to play at some point. Yes, it's a short tournament, but all it would take is one injury and a poor outing or two from the #2 to possibly see the "guy along for the ride" to get a shot. Personally, I like the fact Bernier has seen a ton of rubber and performed quite well. Combine that with his age, and I'd prob go with him.

With these, I'm sticking with my prediction from earlier this year as none has done anything to play their way off the team imo. Subban is the wildcard here. The reigning Norris Trophy winner is very dynamic offensively, but will he be trusted enough to get a chance to play a somewhat regular shift? He could very well be in Seabrook's role from 2010 where he is protected to some degree. Obviously he'd see some PP time. Then again, he may not even make it. I'm taking Hamhuis over Letang and Vlasic as I think Letang's struggles this year have ruled him out and in a coin toss between Hamhuis and Vlasic, I'm admittedly going with the one I see more regularly. Hamhuis could easily slip into the lineup and play a strong defensive game, as well as chipping in where needed at the other end of the rink. He also has a fair bit of experience on the large ice.

The forwards are sooooo difficult to predict. I've left off some guys who've been there before (Marleau, Thornton, Richards) as well as some who prob deserve a shot but it's prob just not quite their time (Seguin, Benn). I've left off Neal even though he's a Crosby team mate, along with Kunitz who I just don't see making it. Obviously I've gone with some familiarity in St Louis / Stamkos, Sharp / Toews and Getzlaf / Perry. Bergeron's not had the greatest first half, but I think it's clear what he brings in other areas and he played a big role in 2010. Giroux, with a really slow start (7pts in first 15 games), has been on fire lately and actually has 37 points in 41 games. Not bad, almost a PPG pace, after such a slow start. He recently had 17pts in a 9 game stretch. I think he's ready, he's versatile, speedy and will be very effective in Sochi. I don't think Nash should be there, but chose him over Neal as one of the extra forwards who could fill in if Stamkos isn't ready. Patrick Sharp and Toews have played a lot together this year and with his hat trick tonight, now sits alone in 2nd behind Ovechkin in the goal scoring race! He's a very under rated guy and I can't see him not being on this squad at this point. I think they go with Hall as a natural winger with speed. Also read somewhere that his "even strength PPG" number is very high. He doesn't just rely on PP's to put up numbers.

I could go on, but I think that's enough. One thing I must say though while making this list is that it shows you why the Blackhawks are so freakin' good! Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook all should make Canada's team. Crawford is in the running for the 3rd spot in goal you'd figure? Throw in Kane and Hossa playing for their countries and Brandon Saad who barely missed making team USA and you begin to see why this team is so good! That's a lot of their team playing in this tournament and I could be missing one or two others who I can't think of off the top of my head?

I put in bold the ones that I think are fondamentals. Would also be happy with Neal, M. Richards, Couture or Hall to make it.

Weber - DoughtyKeith - SeabrookPietrangelo - BouwmeesterHamhuis

I would also be happy with Letang or Subban for pp specialist, but not sure if we need them when we have Weber, Keith, Doughty and Pietrangelo.

Luongo - Price - Fleury

I would not mind if they gave experience to another young goalie like Bernier, although Fleury is fairly young.

Guest4088

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 13:49:02 I had hall on there initially cuz hes a speedy winger, but seeing his name amongst the others just didn't fit. like a boy among men. I agree good player, but not good enough to make the team.I don't see thornton and marleau making the team either. they are both regular season players (ie not top dogs in the playoffs) and in general their career is more downtrending than uptrending.

Guest8969

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 13:17:00 Taylor Hall is good but not an Olympic player, guy couldn't even play in the World Championships, got benched. No chance he makes this team. 0%. He's a thoroughbred without a brain.

Guest3792

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 11:38:00

quote:Originally posted by Guest4088

I didn't realize hall won so many insignificant junior tournaments (insert sarcasm here). should alexander daigle be considered for the team then???Last I checked it was a mens tournament so you can check your junior stats at the door. Hall is not a winner at the pro level and yzerman will go with experienced wingers like stlouis, perry, nash, staal over hall.

Go ahead and keep trying to bash Hall, It was you who originally selected him. I simply have stated the facts. Speaking of facts I found a picture of you ...> , no need for sarcasm. We all know your a clown!

I didn't realize hall won so many insignificant junior tournaments (insert sarcasm here). should alexander daigle be considered for the team then???Last I checked it was a mens tournament so you can check your junior stats at the door. Hall is not a winner at the pro level and yzerman will go with experienced wingers like stlouis, perry, nash, staal over hall.

A team takes 8 wingers to the Olympics. Lots of room for Nash on team Canada. Hall now is probably in the top 5 for natural wingers and should be considered. Knock his Junior achievements all you want, he will continue to suit up for the world championship's and medal, while the rest of the Oilers sit at home watching the games.

Guest4088

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:19:38 I didn't realize hall won so many insignificant junior tournaments (insert sarcasm here). should alexander daigle be considered for the team then???Last I checked it was a mens tournament so you can check your junior stats at the door. Hall is not a winner at the pro level and yzerman will go with experienced wingers like stlouis, perry, nash, staal over hall.

JOSHUACANADA

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 10:12:40 I would have 4 regular linemates with chemistry fill out 2 positions on the 4 lines and I have 3 natural wingers as locks to rotate thru the lineup like St Louis, Nash and Hall. I think Toews and Stamkos can make the move to wing or sub as a center if needed

Crosby, NealThorton, MarleauGetzlaf, PerryRichards, Carter

I am not going to pretend who is going to play on which line, because I think that will change on the fly like the last Olympics.

Defense is pretty easy in the top 6

Doughty and WeberKeith and SeabrookPietrangelo and Bouwmeester

With Subban as the 7th, or a good hard look at Hamhuis if they feel the need to up the defensive element.

Goal should be

Loungo, Price and Fleury, but the 3rd goaltender might be Harding, Bernier or Smith and I am ok with any of those in place of Fleury.

slozo

Posted - 01/03/2014 : 08:47:04

quote:Originally posted by nuxfan

quote:Originally posted by Guest4088The majority of other guys on the list are either Stanley cup winners (Crosby, Bergeron, toews, getzlaf, perry, staal, st Louis) or have gone on deep playoff runs(Giroux, stamkos, neal) or are much better players than hall (Tavares) or better rounded players (couture).

I like the fact that Canada can field a team of very well rounded players, but one thing they don't have (or have not considered heavily) in abundance is the pure scoring winger. Currently, the only player that fits that bill is Perry. It would not hurt Canada to have another pure scoring winger, and Hall certainly is one. I'd like to see him make the team, the powerful centres on the team would benefit from someone with his skills to dish the puck to.

Giroux, and potentially Stamkos, will likely play wing. Tonnes of scoring skill there. In fact there's scoring up and down the lineup . . . along with extremely good defensive forwards thrown in.

I'm not against Hall being on the team . . . but I don't see it with many centres being moved to wing in Canada's current situation. Myself, I had an extremely difficult time with it, having to leave off Marleau and Thornton, and I am thinking now maybe they should be on. Thornton has been on fire this year as well. And I'd rather have both of them than Hall . . . bring so much more to the table.

quote:Originally posted by Guest4088The majority of other guys on the list are either Stanley cup winners (Crosby, Bergeron, toews, getzlaf, perry, staal, st Louis) or have gone on deep playoff runs(Giroux, stamkos, neal) or are much better players than hall (Tavares) or better rounded players (couture).

I like the fact that Canada can field a team of very well rounded players, but one thing they don't have (or have not considered heavily) in abundance is the pure scoring winger. Currently, the only player that fits that bill is Perry. It would not hurt Canada to have another pure scoring winger, and Hall certainly is one. I'd like to see him make the team, the powerful centres on the team would benefit from someone with his skills to dish the puck to.

he may be the straw that stirs the oilers drink, BUT the oilers drink is FLAT and has been for years. He definitely lacks killer insticnct, evidence by has never played in a playoff game so can you really say he will be clutch in a loser go home elimination game?The majority of other guys on the list are either Stanley cup winners (Crosby, Bergeron, toews, getzlaf, perry, staal, st Louis) or have gone on deep playoff runs(Giroux, stamkos, neal) or are much better players than hall (Tavares) or better rounded players (couture). Although hall may be quick and the best of the worst on the oilers, I don't think he is gold medal worthy.

Guest9825

Posted - 01/02/2014 : 20:45:16

quote:Originally posted by nuxfan

another guy that surely must be getting a lot of attention as a bubble player - Tyler Seguin. He's been hugely successful in DAL, he and Benn have formed a very strong top line there. He's currently near PPG and is doing everything for them. The only knocks - he doesn't PK, and he's a centre that is not top-4 in the NHL at his position.

The Seguin on the wing experiment didn't go so well in BOS. He won't make it as a centre.

nuxfan

Posted - 01/02/2014 : 20:13:58 another guy that surely must be getting a lot of attention as a bubble player - Tyler Seguin. He's been hugely successful in DAL, he and Benn have formed a very strong top line there. He's currently near PPG and is doing everything for them. The only knocks - he doesn't PK, and he's a centre that is not top-4 in the NHL at his position.

Staal will llay wing like previous times. Can thornton duschesne and tavares play wing? They are top talent and could play anywhere. I would take these fuys over pairings like kunitz anydayCrosby tavares st louisToews duchesne marleauBergeron staal thorntonGetzlaf perry nash

Weber. DoughtyKeith. PeitrangeloBoumeester. YandleSubban

Smith luongo price

Many centres can easily adapt to wing, and play wing occasionally for their NHL teams.

My centres (ie, the guys I think will play predominantly at centre) are Crosby, Toews, Getzlaf, Stamkos. The rest of the forwards either play wing, or are capable at either wing or centre and have played both before. Players like Carter, Richards, Sharp, Giroux are all highly versatile forwards that can effectively score at wing, but also provide added abilities to take faceoffs, PK, and are highly responsible defensively.

It does not hurt to have wingers that are also centremen, as they can fill in if a centre gets hurt, or provide 2 centres on the ice in case of faceoff violations. They are also generally better defensively than pure forwards.

Staal will llay wing like previous times. Can thornton duschesne and tavares play wing? They are top talent and could play anywhere. I would take these fuys over pairings like kunitz anydayCrosby tavares st louisToews duchesne marleauBergeron staal thorntonGetzlaf perry nash

Weber. DoughtyKeith. PeitrangeloBoumeester. YandleSubban

Smith luongo price

I don't care that you criticized someone for too many centers and then had a bunch yourself, but i have to criticize your pick of Keith Yandle, who has been all over the news about his TEAM USA snub. He's American.....

Guest6751

Posted - 01/02/2014 : 12:50:45

quote:Originally posted by Guest6751

Reserves: Neal, Bergeron.

On second thought substitute Sharp for Bergeron. Sharp is having a heck of a season and provides similar capabilities.

How can you criticize Nux's picks of having 9 centres and 3 wings and then name 8 centres yourself?

Plus you left off Stamkos, I'm guessing you think he is injured and won't be able to make it. Then you separate Marleau from Thornton.

It is easy to criticize any choice anyone makes on this team. Canada is so deep at centre that we could name all 16 centres and stll have a crazy team. So you are going to have gluts of centres who going to play wing.

Fill in the rest.Centres: With only 1 left and considering the glut of firepower I'll go with a pest like Mike Richards.Wingers: There will be centres playing wing but wingers first. St-Louis, Benn, Nash, Hall, Carter (usually plays wing), EStall.

Reserves: Neal, Bergeron.

I pains me to leave off the Sharks trio, but there are only so many slots. Also I'd like to put Giroux there but his slow start and inability to do anything others on the team already have. Though EStaal is on the bubble and have no issue replacing him. Neal covers off an injured winger if needed. Bergeron steps up to the fourth line shut down centre role if injuries to a centre happens.

Defence: I'll go with JBo, Pietrangelo and Subban (as reserve)As much as he is playing well and is being razzed for his new contract, Phaneuf lacks the foot speed for the bigger ice.

Goalie: Harding. This is more of a feel good story. He is going but will never see a game.

Feel free to criticize the roster. It has as many issues to it as anyone elses.